Zak Crawley, the talented cricketer, has faced another setback in what has been a challenging winter for him. His contract with London Spirit in the Hundred has been terminated by the team’s new men’s coach, Justin Langer. Crawley’s journey has been riddled with obstacles, starting with missing the Hundred in 2024 due to a finger injury sustained during England’s Test series against the West Indies. Since his return, Crawley has struggled to find his form, facing a series of disappointing performances across different matches and tours. His recent stint in South Africa did not yield the desired results, leading to his removal as London Spirit’s designated central-contract player, a position valued at £200,000 in 2025. Now, Crawley is likely to enter the upcoming draft, with Langer eyeing Jamie Smith as a potential replacement.
Challenges and Changes in the Hundred Teams
The English Cricket Board (ECB) is gearing up for a mini ‘central contract draft’ following a squad reshuffle by London Spirit and Welsh Fire. Both teams are set to make significant changes, with Smith and Chris Woakes expected to join their ranks. Crawley, along with Mark Wood and Rehan Ahmed, will also be available for selection at this stage. On the other hand, Welsh Fire has retained key batting options like Jonny Bairstow, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and new signing Steven Smith. The upcoming draft, scheduled for March 12, will see Langer making the first pick, with domestic players like Jamie Overton, Reece Topley, and David Willey in the mix.
Retained Players and Exciting Signings
With the ECB confirming player retentions for 2025, each men’s and women’s team can re-sign up to 10 squad members from the previous season. The introduction of a new direct signing model has allowed teams to secure overseas players ahead of the draft. Notably, Spirit has opted to bring back 11 members of their title-winning women’s squad from the previous year. While most teams have embraced the new signing approach, some have chosen to retain their existing overseas players. The upcoming season promises to be filled with anticipation and fresh talent, setting the stage for an engaging competition.
The Hundred is set to kick off on August 5 and run until August 31 this year, with the ECB marking 2025 as a transitional season. The competition’s eight teams are valued at a combined £975 million, signifying the growth and potential of the tournament. As the teams transition into franchises, operated as joint-ventures with host counties, the stage is set for an exciting and transformative 2026 edition. Amidst all the changes and developments, the resilience and adaptability of the players shine through, showcasing the spirit of cricket in its purest form.
Matt Roller, an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo, provides a glimpse into the dynamic world of cricket, capturing the essence of the sport through his insightful commentary and engaging narratives. As the cricketing landscape evolves, Roller’s expertise and passion for the game continue to enrich the experience for fans and enthusiasts worldwide. Through his eyes, the stories of triumphs, challenges, and transformations in cricket come to life, painting a vivid picture of the ever-evolving cricketing universe.
